Registration | Quick Registration | Shipping Agents Dual Registration | Revocation | Fees | Incentives | Penalties

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REGISTRATION OF MERCHANT SHIPS IN BELIZE

1. GOVERNING LAW

The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize called IMMARBE, is established and governed by the provisions of the Registration of Merchant Ships Act 1989 (the Act), the Registration of Merchant Ships (Amendment) Act # 5 of 1996 and Statutory Instruments #147 and #148 of 1991 and 54 and 123 of 1992.

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2. REGISTRATION OF VESSELS

Vessels wishing to register with IMMARBE may apply for provisional or permanent registration. Provisional registration is valid for six months, and an application for permanent registration must be made during the period of provisional registration. The following documents are required to obtain registration of a vessel with IMMARBE: (a) A duly notarized bill of sale with a protocol or instrument of delivery and acceptance, or builder's certificate, if the vessel is a new building. (b) In the case of a vessel previously registered-- (i) a deletion certificate, or a duly authorized affidavit by the applicant undertaking to complete the vessel's deregistration from the previous registry; and (ii) a photocopy of the vessel's last navigation licenses, tonnage certificate, registered title and certificate of ownership, and encumbrances. (c) A power of attorney in favour of the vessel's shipping agent. (d) In the cases where a transfer of ownership is being effected simultaneously with registration, the Bill of Sale and a protocol or instrument of Delivery and Acceptance.(top of page)

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3. QUICK REGISTRATION

If it is necessary to obtain registration of a vessel at a time when the documents referred to above cannot be delivered to the Deputy Registrar, then provisional registration is still possible. If the applicant delivers to the Deputy Registrar a duly authorized affidavit undertaking to deliver the documents required for permanent registration within 60 calendar days, provisional registration will be granted by IMMARBE. NOTE: If the documents are not delivered within the 60 days the registration may be canceled.(top of page)

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4. SHIPPING AGENTS

Every vessel registered in IMMARBE shall at all times keep a shipping agent appointed by the ship owners. Only attorneys and accountants with Belizean practicing certificates, Belizean licensed banks and financial institutions, as well as persons designated by the Attorney General can act as agents.(top of page)

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5. DUAL REGISTRATION AND CHARTER CONTRACTS

Vessels registered with IMMARBE may, in order to comply with terms of a charter contract, obtain a second registration without affecting their IMMARBE registration. IMMARBE may authorize dual registration for a period of two years in the first instance.

Vessels may be registered at IMMARBE under the terms of a charter contract. During this period of dual registration no title documents or mortgages or other documents relating to the vessel shall be registered with IMMARBE.(top of page)

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6. REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION

The Registrar shall have the right to revoke the registration of a vessel registered in IMMARBE if it is established in any court of law that such a vessel is engaged in the transportation of drugs or is involved in other illegal activities.(top of page)

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7. FEES PAYABLE TO IMMARBE

1. REGISTRATION FEES US $
	(a) Vessels of up to 500 G.T.$ 200.00
	(b) Vessels of 501 to 1,000 G.T.$ 300.00
	(c) Vessels of 1,001 to 2,000 G.T.$ 500.00
	(d) Vessels of 2,001 to 5,000 G.T.$1,000.00
	(e) Vessels of 5,001 to 10,000 G.T.$1,500.00
	(f) Vessels of more than 10,000 G.T.$3,000.00
2. ANNUAL TAX
	U.S.$0.10 per net ton or fraction thereof
3. ANNUAL SERVICE TAX
	(a) Vessels of up to 500 G.T.$ 200.00
	(b) Vessels of 501 to 1,000 G.T.$ 300.00
	(c) Vessels of 1,001 to 2,000 G.T.$ 500.00
	(d) Vessels of 2,001 to 5,000 G.T.$1,000.00
	(e) Vessels of 5,001 to 10,000 G.T.$1,500.00
	(f) Vessels of more than 10,000 G.T.$3,000.00
4. ANNUAL INSPECTION TAX
	(a) Vessels of 0 to 1,500 G.T.$ 500.00
	(b) Vessels of 1,501 to 8,000 G.T.$1,000.00
	(c) More than 8,000 G.T.$1,500.00
5. DOCUMENTARY FEES AND OTHER TAXES
	(a) New licenses due to transfer of ownership $1,000.00
	(b) New licenses for amendment in vessel's structure or particulars, other than simple corrections $500.00
	(c) Deregistration $750.00
	(d) Issuance of duplicate navigation licenses due to loss or destruction of the original(s) $300.00
	(e) Dual registration fee $500.00
	(f) Extension of navigation licenses $300.00
	(g) Reservation of vessel's name $20.00 (per month) (top of page)

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8. INCENTIVE FOR REGISTRATION OF SEVERAL VESSELS BY THE SAME OWNER

Upon application by the same owner or his agent to register more than one vessel at the same time or within a specified period not exceeding one hundred and twenty days, and incentive rate reduction of up to 75% of the registration fee and/or first year's annual service tax may be approved by the Registrar on the recommendations of the IMMARBE'S Head Office.(top of page)

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9. PENALTY FOR LATE PAYMENT OR FILING

- If a fee or tax is not paid on the due date, a penalty of 10% shall be charged on all outstanding payments.

- A penalty of US$500.00 shall be charged for non-submission of vessel's documents.(top of page)

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